By Simeon OSAJIE
The Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST) on Thursday, 26th March 2026, conducted a Pulling Out Parade (POP) and special Gala Night in honour of 18 retired generals of the Corps at the AWO Idowu Igbinoba Parade Ground and Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin City, Edo State capital.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, For Assistance Director Army Public Relations
Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and made available to newsmen in Benin City, the state capital.
He disclosed that, in his farewell address, the Reviewing Officer, Major General Olaniyi Michael Dare (Rtd), commended the leadership of the Corps for organising a dignified ceremony to mark this significant milestone in the officers’ professional journey.
“Today’s ceremony is both symbolic and deeply significant. In military tradition, the POP represents the formal and ceremonial conclusion of active Service. Beyond its symbolism, it is also a moment for reflection on decades of Service, sacrifice, and commitment to the defence of Nigeria,” Major General Dare (Rtd) said.
He noted that throughout their Service years, the retired generals were entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring that troops deployed across various theatres of operation were adequately sustained, including during training, peace support missions, and internal security operations nationwide.
He also paid tribute to their families, spouses, children, and loved ones whose unwavering support sustained them throughout their careers, adding that the retired officers would continue to serve as worthy ambassadors of the Corps and the Nigerian Army at large.
Speaking at the Gala Night held in their honour, the Commander, Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST), Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, welcomed dignitaries and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian Army, the Corps, and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the event. He stated that the presence of guests not only honoured the retired senior officers but also celebrated the institution they served with pride.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, represented by the Commander Corps of Ordnance, Major General Abdullahi Garba Ibrahim, in his goodwill message, commended the NACST for its outstanding operational and administrative contributions. He noted that the Corps has maintained exceptional standards of excellence and remained steadfast in providing effective and efficient logistics support to the Nigerian Army. He added that the Gala Night would further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and service while fostering unity, dedication, and excellence.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Honourable Yakubu Musa, remarked that the Nigerian Army has remained a strong institution due to the dedication, leadership, and sacrifices of its retired generals.
He stated that the honourees devoted their careers to ensuring that troops in the field were adequately sustained with the necessary supplies, equipment, and mobility required to accomplish their missions effectively. He further noted that retirement from military service is not a withdrawal from Service but an opportunity to continue contributing through wisdom, experience, and mentorship.
The retired senior officers honoured at the event include Major Generals OM Dare, EA Anaryu, UT Otaru, and E Akerejola. Others are Brigadier Generals BO Ogubunmi, PK Yayock, CS Okafor, FC Onyeari, AM Ameh, I Ahmed, GC Nkenke, SM Dagari, ST Er, AY Mbafung, JD Bambur, LA Jimoh, Sarkin-Fulani, and EE Etim.
The event was attended by senior military officers, including the Chief Host and CCST, Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya; past Commanders of the Corps; General Officers Commanding 2 and 82 Divisions; Corps Commanders; President of NAOWA; Commandants of training institutions; Brigade Commanders; the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group; as well as heads of paramilitary agencies.
Highlights of the events included a march-past in slow and quick time, the ceremonial pulling-out parade in honour of the retired generals, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and the presentation of gifts and souvenirs.